Mayor Nirenberg names Marisa Bono policy chief

Final staff appointments announced; Spanish quotes below

SAN ANTONIO (July 14, 2017) — Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Friday announced final key hires for his staff, rounding out an experienced, diverse team that will help execute his policy vision for the San Antonio.

Mayor Nirenberg named Marisa Bono, Southwest Regional Counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as his Chief of Policy. A legal powerhouse who has led statewide cases involving educational equity, immigration and political access, Bono will advise the mayor and oversee the implementation of his policy agenda, with an emphasis on a range of issues, including public safety, ethics reform, transportation, housing and more.

“Marisa brings invaluable expertise, and understands the importance of public service and working on the behalf of those in need,” Mayor Nirenberg said. “She will be instrumental in helping us focus on solutions that will improve the lives of all San Antonians.”

Bono directed the litigation and state policy agenda for MALDEF in arenas that included education, immigration, voting rights and political access, and employment. She is a legal and policy expert on education issues and funding in Texas, and has advised and presented to state lawmakers through committee testimony and direct advocacy.

“At MALDEF, we are sorry to lose Marisa Bono as the leader of our regional office, but we know that she will accomplish great things for San Antonio,” said Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel. “Congratulations to Mayor Nirenberg for selecting such a well-qualified, strong, smart and energetic policy chief. We look forward to working with Marisa in her new capacity.”

Bono was born in San Antonio. She has a law degree and master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rice University. She will join the Mayor’s team in August.

Mayor Nirenberg also announced the following hires:

Victoria Gonzalez as Senior Policy Advisor. Gonzalez is a land use expert who will focus on the implementation of SA Tomorrow, affordable housing policies, and economic development. She was formerly a land use professional at the real estate law firm, Golden Steves & Gordon. She has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University, where she majored in urban studies and economics.

Sarah McLornan as Director of Constituent Services and Senior Policy Advisor. McLornan has worked with the San Antonio Tricentennial Commission since July 2015 and previously served as the Director of Constituent Services to Mayor Julián Castro. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jackie Bolds and Alice Aguirre as Executive Assistants. Both worked for Nirenberg when he was the District 8 Councilman. Bolds has worked with five previous San Antonio mayors and Aguirre has worked for the City of San Antonio for more than 15 years.

“I am excited about working with the new members of our team,” Mayor Nirenberg said. “Each brings invaluable experience and passion to their role.”

Earlier, Nirenberg named Trey Jacobson, who also was an aide to former Mayor Phil Hardberger, as his chief of staff. The mayor also named Bruce Davidson, former Editorial Page Editor at the San Antonio Express-News, as Director of Communications; Maria Luisa Cesar as Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director and Juany Torres as Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Community Engagement.